Brittney Sykes is finally getting the recognition she’s long deserved. Once called the “snub of the year” after being left off the initial All-Star Game roster, Sykes is now stepping in as a replacement for injured captain Caitlin Clark, in a major moment for the Washington Mystics star. This marks her first All-Star selection in nine seasons, a hard-earned milestone for the Newark-born guard who has helped lead her team’s comeback campaign in 2024.

But Sykes’s rise didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly didn’t happen alone. Behind her relentless drive and defensive tenacity are the people who shaped her: the family whose sacrifices, strength, and love built the foundation for her WNBA journey. Let’s take a closer look at the parents and siblings who helped mold Brittney Sykes into the athlete and person she is today.

Who are Brittney Sykes’ Parents?

Brittney was born to Michael and Regina Sykes in Newark, New Jersey, a couple whose unwavering dedication laid the foundation for her success both on and off the basketball court. As the youngest of three children, Brittney grew up in a close-knit household where encouragement and discipline were deeply rooted. Her mother, Regina Sykes, works as an operations coordinator at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School, contributing to the school’s daily operations and student support. 

Her father, Michael Sykes, is her biggest supporter, often courtside at games and active on social media, cheering her on. A U.S. Army veteran who served at Fort Knox, he later worked with the Newark Police Department and as a detention officer for Essex County. He now works for the State of New Jersey, continuing a lifelong commitment to public service and family.

What ethnicity are Brittney Sykes’ parents?

Brittney Sykes’ parents are African American with deep roots in the Newark Community in Jersey. 

Who are Brittney Sykes’ siblings?

The identities of Sykes’ brothers are not publicly known. ‘

Brittney Sykes’ relationship with her family

Brittney’s dad, Michael Sykes, isn’t just her father—he’s her loudest, proudest cheerleader. Whether he’s courtside in a Sykes jersey or hyping her up on social media, he’s all in. After a recent Mystics game, he posted a photo wearing her jersey at CareFirst Arena with the caption, “Back in Washington to see my baby turn up!!!! Go, Brittany!!!”—misspelling her name in the process. Brittney clapped back with her signature humor: “That’s crazy, you helped create me and my name is spelled wrong.”

Their bond runs deeper than banter. When Brittney opened up to him about her LGBTQ+ identity, he didn’t flinch. “Would you think I’m lying if I said I already knew?” he told her. His response was pure acceptance: “You’re my daughter, you’re my only girl, you’re my baby. I don’t care who you love—you’re safe, you’re loved, you’re happy.” That moment sealed a deep trust between them that still carries through today. 

Brittney’s relationship with her mother, Regina, is one forged through resilience and growth. Regina was there during both of Brittney’s ACL injuries, guiding her through physical pain and tough decisions. When Brittney had just 24 hours to choose between returning to Syracuse or entering the WNBA Draft, it was Regina who advised staying another year, for basketball, yes, but especially for academics.

Regina’s focus on education clashed with Brittney’s early ambition. “I’d make my mom so mad because I’d be like, ‘I want to be a ball player,’ and she wanted, you know, a doctor or a lawyer,” Brittney once recalled with a laugh. “And I was like, ‘Nah, I want to be a pro basketball player.’”

Their journey hasn’t been without tension. Brittney has spoken candidly about the challenges of coming out to her mother, describing it as “one of the hardest moments” of her life. While it strained their relationship at times, continued conversations have helped heal that rift. Today, despite their ups and downs, the two are in a strong, loving place. Her mom is one of the people she can just call any time and vent, she is the person who was with her from the beginning and will be till the end. “ I am happy to see her happy.” Her mother said regarding the Washington Mystics’ move in 2023. And that sentence defines motherhood as a whole. 

Brittney Sykes’ rise to WNBA stardom is powered by more than talent; it’s rooted in the strength of her family. Her father’s unconditional support, her mother’s steady guidance, and the quiet presence of her brothers have shaped her into the athlete and woman she is today. As she celebrates her first All-Star selection, it’s not just her moment, it’s theirs too.